Laoag City—Ilocos
Norte Governor Matthew Joseph M. Manotoc assured the Ilokano community of
sustained growth and development in the province through the intensified
implementation of the provincial government’s priority programs during a press
meeting.
“I can say that I have worked hard and have tried my
best. I am looking forward to have my first full year [as Governor] and to
really see results. I want to make sure that our people will feel that things
are going to the right direction,” Mr. Manotoc remarked.
Included in his tasks even during the holiday season, he
ordered the Sangguniang Panlalawigan “to expedite the revision of Ilocos
Norte’s Revenue Code and the ‘fair market value.’”
“Ang laki ng mawawala sa atin kapag hindi pa ito
naayos. I hope we can finish it this year para new year, new revenue code na
rin,” Mr. Manotoc said.
Meanwhile, when asked about his experience for the first
six months of his term, he said: “I am trying to find a way to prioritize and
listen to as many things as possible. Thankfully we have competent, helpful,
and experienced people here at the Capitol. I am well-supported.”
PGIN eyes accessible healthcare, continuing agri
assistance in 2020
In his
“Budget Message 2020,” Mr. Manotoc declared: “PHP47.4 million from the
different sources available to the province will be used in upgrading our
hospitals alongside other medical facilities, employing additional health
practitioners and medical personnel, and procuring medical equipment and
supplies.”
Moreover, PHP105 million from the province’s development fund
will be used to rehabilitate hospital buildings and construct additional
medical facilities of the Governor Roque B. Ablan Sr. Memorial Hospital
(GRBASMH), including the purchase of various medical equipment and instruments.
Furthermore, PHP56 million will also go to the
development of isolation rooms at Bangui District Hospital; construction of a
two-storey building for out-patients at Dingras District Hospital; acquisition
of various medical and laboratory equipment for Doña Josefa Edralin Marcos
District Hospital; installation of floor tiles and sprinkler system at Piddig
District Hospital; and total renovation of Vintar District Hospital.
“We have prioritized all the hospitals, specifically
GRBASMH, because it is our flagship hospital. I know it’s taking longer, but
it’s not that easy. We cannot totally revamp the hospital in just a few months.
We want to make it a goal that by next year, people will be satisfied and will
see the progress we are making,” Mr. Manotoc explained.
Likewise, to promote innovative practices that will
strengthen the province’s agriculture and fishery sectors, PHP15 million was allocated
for the construction of the Ilocos Norte Agriculture and Fishery Extension
Center Building.
“For next year, INAFEC will be our headliner. Also, we
have apportioned additional budget for our palay farmers because we anticipate
that prices for next year will be really low. We are ready to lend additional
assistance on top of regular provision of several agriculture inputs. Equally
important, we will have a general water management plans for our irrigations
and flood control,” he added.
‘Big 3’ on track, tourism development remains a
priority
“We will be
okay with the ‘Big Three’. The Provincial Capitol Extension Building and the
rehabilitation of the Ferdinand E. Marcos Memorial Stadium are pretty much on
track,” Mr. Manotoc assured.
However, he told that the construction of the Dap-ayan
Building was put on hold because contractors found out that the site contains a
lot of underground water, thus the necessity of conducting a further study.
“For the most parts, we have no major delays. They have
demolished as needed and now it’s just a matter of building. We have instructed
them [contractors] to multi-task,” he added.
Additionally, tourism development remains a priority of
the provincial government. For next year, it will be keen in discovering new
sites, re-investing in its properties and facilities, and eyes the re-launching
of the province’s tourism campaign.
Particularly, PHP32.5 million was set for the improvement
of heritage sites, historic landscapes, and premier tourist destinations such
as the Malacañang of the North and Paoay Sand Dunes; Kapurpurawan Rock
Formation and Cape Bojeador Lighthouse Museum in Burgos; and La Milagrosa Cove
in Badoc. (Edison Justin B. Deus)
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